Baker County

Indicator Data

Key Organizations and Activities

Oregon Rural Action commissioned an analysis of Baker County’s farm and food economy from the Crossroads Resource Center in 2011. That study estimated that more than 90% of food purchased by residents is sourced from outside the county, and concluded, in part, that: “If Baker County residents purchased 15% of their food for home use directly from county farmers, this would generate $3.7 million of new farm income for the county. This would require each resident of the county to buy, on average, less than $5.00 of food directly from farmers each week.”

Oregon Rural Action also published a Farm and Food Directory, with listings for five counties, including Baker County.

Community Goals and Recommendations

A community food assessment has not been completed for Baker County. However, the Northeast Oregon Economic Development District’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy for Baker, Union and Wallowa Counties for 2013-2018 includes a focus area on food systems development: